School Me on Tactical Lights Please

[Jlr2267]

Setting up an AR15 for home defense and need to mount a quality light. This particular rifle has a Magpul forend to which I plan to mount a small pic rail for the light. I have only used lights on handguns before so consider me a noob at this.

I *think* what I need is (in no particular order):

1) simple on/off
2) plunger or paddle style switch
3) small, light, low profile
4) attaches directly to the rail with no additional mounts needed
5) proven reliability on AR15 rifles
6) commonly available batteries
7) under $150

What other considerations should I have, and any recommendations for a solid tactical light that won't break the bank?

 

[1911 guy]

I'm a fan of CR123 batteries for lights, as they are commonly available, can be bought in bulk from Streamlight online and the lights that use them are generally far more powerful than AA battery lights.

LED is becoming more popular because of light output and less heat than bulbs.

Tape switches are over-rated. If you use one, plan to replace it on a regular basis. They break often enough that preventative replacement is a good idea so they don't quit when you need it.

Multi-function tailcap switches can be a double edged sword. While having a variety of functions (high, low, strobe, etc.) can be useful, that utility is often overshadowed by "clutter" in actual use.

150 lumen is a low limit for me. The dual purpose of a light is to both allow you to see and to disorient or deny night vision to an opponent. A brighter light can be used just a little practice by using the edges of the beam to illuminate what you're trying to see without too much splash back to your own eyes. Personally, I use a 500 lumen light, but that might be overkill for some people.

As far as brands, I'm partial to Surefire, Streamlight and Orion.

 

[Candyman87]

Jumping on board for curiosity as well... I've been using the TLR-1 off my PPQ for the time being... the light works great, however the controls are a bit hard to reach.

I'm debating getting a TLR-1 HL with the long gun kit, but I'm not sure if there are better options out there.

 

[md7]

OP,

I'm far from an expert, but I do have a few rifles equipped with MOE handguards with lights attached. So, I'll share what's worked for me.

For a low cost, serviceable set up I've gone to impact weapons components (iwc) side mount cantilever light mount with surefire G2X tactical light. I like that it mounts solidly and I like the position of the light in relation to my support hand. The light is a single output 320 lumen light. Personal preference for single output on a weapon light, ymmv.

That light and mount can be had for a little over $100.00

And the mount will work if you ever want to upgrade lights later on.

You might also consider a piece of rail with the Inforce wml or stream light tlr (not sure on model but similar in design to surefire x300). Those should also be good options for your price range.

 

[md7]

Also, the surefire "vtac" l4 and mini l4 are decent lights. Kind of priced between the surefire G2/6P series and scout series.

Just an FYI.

 

[giggitygiggity]

Go with Surefire or Streamlight if you want a quality tactical light. The Surefire X-300 Ultra and TLR-1HL are probably the most versatile weapon lights. You can use them on pistol rails or rails on your rifle or put them in your pocket and use them like regular flashlights. I actually like the TLR-1HL more than the Surefire because it's slightly brighter and even has a strobe function and costs about 40% less.

 

[Tomac]

Streamlight has 2 new ProTac rail-mounted lights coming out that look good (bottom of the page, there's a 2xCR123 model and a 1xCR123/AA model):
https://www.botach.com/streamlight-rail-mounted-tactical-lights/

These are my two favorite ways of using a weapons light on a MOE hand guard:


Tomac

 

[stoky]

I think a light on a long gun should have momentary and latching (continuous on/off) capabilities. One advantage of very bright lights is that an area can be lit with splash lighting, without pointing the weapon at someone your trying to identify.

 

[Jlr2267]

OP,

I'm far from an expert, but I do have a few rifles equipped with MOE handguards with lights attached. So, I'll share what's worked for me.

For a low cost, serviceable set up I've gone to impact weapons components (iwc) side mount cantilever light mount with surefire G2X tactical light. I like that it mounts solidly and I like the position of the light in relation to my support hand. The light is a single output 320 lumen light. Personal preference for single output on a weapon light, ymmv.

That light and mount can be had for a little over $100.00

And the mount will work if you ever want to upgrade lights later on.

You might also consider a piece of rail with the Inforce wml or stream light tlr (not sure on model but similar in design to surefire x300). Those should also be good options for your price range.

thanks md7, I like the G2x idea...I can buy that one locally for about $55+tax, leaving plenty of $ for a good mount.

 

[tiamat]

I like my Streamlight TLR-1. I like their High Lumen (HL) model even more. Got each for under $100.

 

[strambo]

I have a TLR-1 as well on my 870, same Magpul forend

 

[Candyman87]

Streamlight has 2 new ProTac rail-mounted lights coming out that look good (bottom of the page, there's a 2xCR123 model and a 1xCR123/AA model):

https://www.botach.com/streamlight-rail-mounted-tactical-lights/

I saw those the other day... Can't wait to get my hands on one. Looks like exactly what I want on my AR.

 

[Tac. Gunner]

The Surefire G2X, 6PX, Malkoff M2, Elzetta, or a Surefire 6P original with a Malkoff drop in would be a great choice. For more in depth flashlight info checkout the candlepowerforums.com for any info you need on lights or just drop me a pm, flashlights are my main hobby!

 

[Jlr2267]

Streamlight has 2 new ProTac rail-mounted lights coming out that look good (bottom of the page, there's a 2xCR123 model and a 1xCR123/AA model):
https://www.botach.com/streamlight-rail-mounted-tactical-lights/

These are my two favorite ways of using a weapons light on a MOE hand guard:


Tomac

Tomac I went with the same basic setup you've shown here, Magpul ring mount on a pic rail, G2X light.

I'd prefer a QD mount of some type, but could not find one locally...only the Magpul. It's a little awkward if you want to adjust the light position in the mount...not a problem once you get it where you want it.

 

[Jeff White]

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=788712